In yet another example of interference of the secular state of India in Hindu religious affairs, devotees attending the Aadi Amavasai festival at Sorimuthu Ayyanar Temple have been ordered to comply with the guidelines set by the district administration. According to a statement from Sub-Collector of Cheranmahadevi Arpit Jain, the Aadi Amavasai celebrations at Sorimuthu Ayyanar Temple, located within the Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve at the source of the Tamirabharani river — a vital water source for four southern districts — should be conducted with traditional respect while minimising environmental impact by strictly adhering to the established regulations.
The administration will allow access to the shrine from 6 AM to 4 PM on 2 August for private vehicles. From 3 August to 5 August, the pilgrimage will continue exclusively via government buses, with private vehicles required to park at Agasthiyarpatti. The authority will permit private vehicles to approach the temple again on 6 August to facilitate the departure of devotees. Diesel generators will be prohibited beyond the Papanasam check-post.
Due to extensive cleaning operations scheduled for 31 July and 1 August, no vehicles, including government buses, will be allowed past the Papanasam check-post during these days. Similarly, another cleaning operation will occur after the Aadi Amavasai festival on 7 and 8 August, and public access beyond the Papanasam check-post will be restricted on these dates as well. Devotees will be permitted to visit the temple and Agasthiyar Falls from August 9 onwards.
The Tamil Nadu government has prohibited bathing in deep water areas and venturing into the forest. It has allowed devotees to set up tents only on temple grounds; tenting in the forest area is not allowed.
Additionally, reports have emerged of individuals setting up tents in the temple area ahead of time and charging excessive fees to later arrivals. The sub-collector stated that both police and forest officials would take stringent action against such practices this year.
The use of kerosene, soaps, detergents, shampoos, disposable plastics, chemicals, alcohol and tobacco products is banned during the Aadi Amavasai festival. Devotees must avoid bringing these items to the temple, as those who do will face legal action and vehicle seizure. Trash should be disposed of only in designated bins, and only the 200 toilets provided should be used.
Furthermore, access to Manimuthar Falls, Manjolai, and Agasthiyar Falls will be restricted for the public and tourists from 31 July to 8 August.
